Bell Ringer: Sample Chunk- Syntax and Diction

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

As the ship waits for the tide at the base of the Thames River, he meditates on the "greatness [that] had ... floated on the ebb of that river into the mystery of an unknown earth" carrying "the dreams of men, the seed of commonwealths, the germs of empires." This description of the ocean as mysterious and "unknown" reminds readers that endless possibilities await beyond the tide, and the parallel phrases connect these "dreams of men" with the beginnings of great and terrible civilizations while providing a flowing cadence that mimics the rhythm of the tide. The author is building the narrator's persona as a dedicated sailor by displaying this sense of awe on the cusp of setting sail into the dark, distant horizon.

Write a chunk using anything on pg.122-124 of ch.13. Make this a syntax chunk addressing parallel structure, repetition, rhetorical questions, alliteration, sentence length, etc.

Discuss Ch.13-14

  • How does Kumalo grow spiritually as he waits in the sun, reflecting upon his family and difficulties? What is the symbolism?
  • Describe the tone used in the description of Msimangu's voice.
  • Discuss John Kumalo's reaction to the arrest. How would you describe his character?


Biblical Allusions: "The Story of Absalom"

Annotate on the reading- possible connections, Why did Paton name his character Absalom?

Homework

Read Ch.15